Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Dwitiya Vrat
Dwitiya Vrat is observed on the 2nd tithi (lunar day) of both fortnights each month, with the Shukla Dwitiya being especially auspicious for worship of Chandra, the Moon God. The second tithi is ruled by Brahma and is considered highly favorable for new beginnings, nourishment, and the growth of positive energy. The most celebrated Dwitiya is Yama Dwitiya — also known as Bhai Dooj — observed on the Shukla Dwitiya of the Kartik month, when sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers by invoking Yama and the Moon together. Devotees who fast on Dwitiya are said to receive the blessings of a calm and fertile mind, emotional stability, and relief from grief and mental afflictions caused by a weak or afflicted Moon in the birth chart.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Strengthens the Moon in the horoscope, granting emotional balance, mental clarity, and inner peace. Removes grief, depression, and anxiety rooted in lunar afflictions. Blesses with good relationships between siblings and family members. On Yama Dwitiya, it is believed to extend the life of brothers and protect them from untimely death. Regular observance nourishes the mind, improves memory and creativity, and bestows the grace of Chandra who governs all things that grow and flow.
Procedure
On Shukla Dwitiya, wake before sunrise and take a bath. Set up an image or yantra of Chandra — use a silver vessel filled with water, or a white cloth with a crescent moon drawn in rice flour. Offer white flowers (jasmine, white lotus), white sweets (kheer, coconut laddoo), and milk. Recite the Chandra Kavach or the Moon Beej Mantra: "Om Shram Shreem Shroum Sah Chandraya Namah." On Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj), sisters perform a special aarti for their brothers, apply tilak on the brother's forehead, and pray to Yama and Chandra for the brother's long life. Donate white items — rice, milk, white cloth — to the needy.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dwitiya and Krishna Paksha Dwitiya. The most significant Dwitiya of the year is Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj) on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, celebrated two days after Diwali. Other notable ones include Bhaumi Dwitiya (Vaishakha Shukla) and the Dwitiya following Amavasya in each month, which carries strong Chandra energy as the moon begins to wax.
Fasting Rules
Observe a phalahar fast from sunrise to moonrise on Dwitiya. Avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. White foods are preferred — milk, curd, white rice, coconut, and fruits. Many devotees break the fast only after sighting the moon and offering arghya (water libation) to Chandra. On Yama Dwitiya, sisters traditionally fast until they complete the tilak ceremony for their brothers.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast after sighting the moon on Dwitiya evening. Offer a silver or white vessel of water to the moon with folded hands, reciting the Chandra arghya mantra. Then consume kheer (rice pudding) or another white sweet as the first meal — this is considered most auspicious for nourishing the lunar energy. On Yama Dwitiya, the sister breaks her fast after the tilak ceremony is complete and the brother offers her a gift.
FAQ
Q.What is Dwitiya Vrat?
Dwitiya Vrat is observed on the 2nd tithi (lunar day) of both fortnights each month, with the Shukla Dwitiya being especially auspicious for worship of Chandra, the Moon God. The second tithi is ruled by Brahma and is considered highly favorable for ...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Dwitiya Vrat?
Observe a phalahar fast from sunrise to moonrise on Dwitiya. Avoid grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. White foods are preferred — milk, curd, white rice, coconut, and fruits. Many devotees break the fast only after sighting the moon and offering arghya (water libation) to Chandra. On Yama Dwitiya, sisters traditionally fast until they complete the tilak ceremony for their brothers.
Q.When should Dwitiya Vrat be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Dwitiya and Krishna Paksha Dwitiya. The most significant Dwitiya of the year is Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj) on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, celebrated two days after Diwali. Other notable ones include Bhaumi Dwitiya (Vaishakha Shukla) and the Dwitiya following Amavasya in each month, which carries strong Chandra energy as the moon begins to wax.
Q.What are the benefits of Dwitiya Vrat?
Strengthens the Moon in the horoscope, granting emotional balance, mental clarity, and inner peace. Removes grief, depression, and anxiety rooted in lunar afflictions. Blesses with good relationships between siblings and family members. On Yama Dwitiya, it is believed to extend the life of brothers and protect them from untimely death. Regular observance nourishes the mind, improves memory and creativity, and bestows the grace of Chandra who governs all things that grow and flow.